As I say each Christmas, a Yule Log must find YOU; not you find the log.
Throughout the year certain bits of feral wood make their presence known to you, by making themselves 'obvious'. This year I have noticed several, and it was a difficult choice bringing just one home; but the choice had to be made. It's not as big as I'd imagined when still half covered with leaves (actually it's chunkier than it looks); but 'size isn't everything'. It's a nice dense lump of Oak.
Tradition says that the log must be placed on the fire on Christmas Eve, and if the following morning it is burnt through to ash, it's a sign of good luck for the following year; so do make sure your log is DRY.
I brought my 2019 log home some weeks ago (above), and it's now been sitting behind the woodburner for a month, to make sure it really dried out well.
I've already dressed it in Ribbon, Holly, and Ivy, and tonight, with a toast of Whisky and Cake, it will be placed on the fire before we retire.
Extra Whisky and Cake will also be left out for Santa; not to do so would be unthinkable!
Enjoy your Christmas Eve.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas. I have enjoyed your posts throughout the years...they are a sort of a ritual for me...read them usually in the afternoon with tea and a shortbread biscuit (dunked:)
ReplyDeleteThank you for that Rallentanda. Our afternoon shortbread biscuits are often dunked too; you're in good company!
DeleteMerry Christmas, Cro. May your Yule log burn bright. xx
ReplyDeleteI do hope so. We shall be back late this afternoon, so the fire will only be lit at about 6 pm. Time enough for it to burn through.
DeleteA Merry Christmas to you and all your family, Cro.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jules. My very best wishes to you too.
DeleteSeasons greetings to you all and a happy New year too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog, it's very interesting. I enjoy it immensely.
You're too kind. Yes, let's hope that 2020 will be less chaotic than this one. I've almost had enough of 2019.
DeleteThat looks a really hot fire burning brightly. Have a Very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you; I'm sure we will.
DeleteI'm sure Santa will enjoy the midnight snack.
ReplyDeleteIt'll be the first time ever, if he doesn't.
DeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family Cro.
ReplyDeleteThank you Yael, and a belated Happy Hanukkah. x
DeleteWhat a lovely tradition Cro ..... enjoy your toast to the Yule log and may it burn to ash 🔥 XXXX
ReplyDeleteEvery year I keep my fingers crossed that there's no big lump left behind. Ha ha!
DeleteIt sounds like you will be having a wonderful time but I shall still wish you a Merry Christmas anyway!
ReplyDeleteThanks JayCee. We shall have lots of fun, certainly.
DeleteMerry Christmas Cro, I'm sure a good time will be had by all, especially those two little blonde boys.
ReplyDeleteAlphie
They are getting over-excited... I shan't bother trying to calm them.
DeleteOur childhood Yule logs were ones which were large enough to fill the grate and dense enough to still be there two days later!
ReplyDeleteChristmas Eve will be very quiet here - I will send my elf out to deliver the last present, but the fridge is full, the housework good enough to last the week, and we are looking forward to a few peaceful days.
Merry Christmas to you and all your readers.
I don't suppose our next few days will be 'peaceful' with two very energetic small boys around, but it's bound to be fun.
DeleteMerry Xmas Cro and Lady M, hope you have a good one, and thank you for keeping us all entertained with your blog.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a pleasure Sue. I hope to continue next year too!
DeleteI don't think I'll bother with the yule log for one, I somehow can't really raise the enthusiasm but I am always happy to see some red embers in the stove when I get up in the morning so that will suffice to make me happy. I will think of you tonight when watching Carols from Kings and assume you got home in time. Have a good lunch.
ReplyDeleteI have made it known that I want to be home for the Carols (they don't have TV). We are off out at any moment. Have an enjoyable evening.
DeleteWell, my comment and wishes seem to have disappeared into cyber space .
ReplyDeleteLet me wish you once again all the very best for you and your family. May your turkey be tender, your Brussel sprouts crunchy and may your excellent wine bring a healthy ruddiness to your cheeks
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you will have anything resembling a Turkey, but I certainly wish you all the other things too. I'm being called to go out.... I'd better do as I'm told.
DeleteWhat fun you're about to have! Have a very Merry Christmas, Cro!
ReplyDeleteNo hangovers as yet.... we're pacing ourselves.
DeleteHave a Happy Christmas with the family, and I'm sure that Yule log will burn bright and true.
ReplyDeleteI've just checked, it burned away as hoped. Good luck is assured.
DeleteMerry Christmas, Cro, to you and your family. May your lovely Yule Log predict a good 2020 for you all.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks. Yes, if old traditions have their way, all should be OK.
DeleteThat is a wonderful tradition to keep. A very merry Christmas to you and Lady M and your family!
ReplyDeleteWe broke with tradition slightly yesterday. The children were here to watch Carols from Kings, so we put it on the fire slightly earlier than usual.
DeleteThat's a nice looking Yule Log. The only one we will have is of the chocolate variety! Merry Christmas to you and Lady M x
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue. Hope you're feeling better: or shouldn't I mention that!
DeleteI will add my wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Carol, and the same to you.
DeleteI think your Yule Log tradition is lovely. If we had a wood burning fireplace I would have to adopt it; unfortunately we have gas logs. More efficient, but not nearly as much fun, I imagine. I have some bayberry candles gifted to us by a friend and a tradition we've adopted is to burn them overnight on Christmas Eve to bring "luck to the home and wealth to the pocket". It's a Northern custom my friend brought South with her.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family!
Merry
I had to look-up bayberry candles, they sound delightful. I don't think we have them here. Happy Christmas Jennifer.
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